1 Introduction
Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) commissioned InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. to conduct an update to the economic impact study prepared previously in 2016.
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
YWG is a major contributor to the Manitoba economy – generating employment in sectors such as air services, facilities, hospitality, manufacturing, and ground transportation.
Industry and Economy of Manitoba
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is located less than 10km west of downtown Winnipeg, as shown in Figure 1-4. YWG services one of Canada’s most populous metropolitan areas, as well as most air travellers in the province.
Economic Impact of YWG
YWG contributes directly to employment in the Winnipeg region, as well as the provincial and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at large, through its business and commercial activities and operations.
2 Methodology
InterVISTAS conducted this economic impact study during the fall and winter of 2019. The study estimates the economic impact of YWG’s operations in 2019.
Estimating Current Economic Impacts
The direct employment base related to ongoing operations at YWG is first measured. Employment figures are generally more understandable by the public than more abstract measures, such as economic output or GDP.
Surveying Direct Employment
Employment attributable to ongoing YWG operations was measured by surveying over 200 firms and organizations that are either located at YWG or otherwise economically linked to the airport.
Inferring Employment
Employment was “inferred” for firms that did not respond to the survey by using a proven and accepted methodology.
Estimating Indirect and Induced Impacts with Economic Multipliers and Ratios
Measurement of indirect and induced economic activity is difficult. While it may be possible to conduct a survey of downstream employers, the survey would need to cover thousands of firms in order to completely cover indirect employment.
Jobs vs. Full-Time Equivalents
Traditionally, one measures employment by the number of jobs. However, when part-time and/or seasonal workers are used, this can be a misleading measure resulting in an overstatement of economic impact.